The folks over at Nutiva were kind enough to send me some of their hemp seed and hemp protein products to try. The timing couldn't have been better. I've been quite light on protein a lot of days lately, so I was looking for ways to get just a bit more.

I'm a big fan of Nutiva, having used their coconut oil for years. Every product I've ever tried has been exceptionally fresh and delicious. I'm a bit of a newcomer to protein powders and was surprised this tasted to good. The powder isn't terribly gritty and makes a pretty smooth smoothie. The hemp seeds blend right up as well.

This smoothies is super simple to make and has a fresh, nutty, almost spicy taste. A perfect start to the day. Just put all ingredients in blender and puree until very smooth.

calories: 395

fat: 19 g

carbs: 43 g

protein: 23 g

Lunch

Easy Lasagna

serves 2 ~ $1.99 per serving

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise ($.49)

2 large tomatoes, sliced ($1.00)

1 small cucumber, thinly sliced ($.33)

1 small onion, sliced ($.05)

2 tablespoons red pepper flake oil or olive oil

basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste

pine nut cheese

1/2 cup pine nuts, soaked ($2.00)

1 tablespoon lemon juice ($.10)

1 teaspoon nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

I've made other raw lasagna recipes and they turn out beautifully. My only complaint has always been they take so darn long to make. This recipe takes only minutes to prepare.

First make the pine nut cheese, which is simple and easy. Just add all ingredients to a blender and puree until very smooth.

Assemble the sliced ingredients and layer with a few dollops of pine nut cheese. Season with herbs, salt and pepper. Drizzle with a bit of red pepper flake oil or olive oil.

To make red pepper flake oil, just add a tablespoon or two red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne to about four ounces olive oil. Shake or blend and then let sit for a few days until the flavor develops.

I got the idea to massage the greens inside a plastic bag from Rawdawg Rory. It seemed like a handy way to keep from getting my hands messy, and it worked like a charm.

Chop kale, broccoli, and lambs quarters. In a small cup, whisk together the olive oil, agave, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Put in a in a zip lock bag and massage. It takes several minutes, but the kale and broccoli will soften up nicely.

Serve the massaged greens topped with slice cucumber and tomato wedges. Salt and pepper to taste.

And, any left over greens or broccoli (including the stems) can be juiced.

calories: 306

fat: 15 g

carbs: 40 g

protein: 9 g

Hemp Seed Truffles

serves 3 ~ $1.51 per serving

1/4 cup walnuts ($.50)

6 tablespoons hemp seeds ($2.34)

1/4 cup goji berries, soaked and patted dry ($.80)

1/2 cup raisins ($.50)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds ($.40)

This is another super simple way to get a bit of extra protein. It makes a sweet, nutty, and just slightly spicy "power truffle."

Add all ingredients to a food processor fitted with an "S" blade. Process for a few minutes until the mixture starts sticking together. Use a tablespoon or small scoop to form into balls.

calories: 311

fat: 17 g

carbs: 31 g

protein: 13 g

Total cost for the day: $8.47

total calories: 1,316

total fat: 67 gr

total carb: 150 gr
total protein: 54 gr

And now, I'd like to share with you an art/video project I've been working on ... and invite you to participate. The details are below, and also at my website lisaviger.com/faces

If you have any questions, contact me at lisaviger (at) yahoo.com

What do vegans look like anyway?

They look like me. And they look like you.

What is the PROJECT?

The Faces of Vegan PROJECT is a collaborative video project that will show the world what vegans look like. The video will be made of photos (and/or short video clips) of real, genuine vegans … in all our wonderful diversity.

What do you have to do to participate?

First you have to be vegan.

vegan (ˈviːɡən)

-n a person who refrains from using any animal product whatever for food, clothing, or any other purpose

Then …

It’s simple. Just take a photo or a very short video of yourself with something that says “I AM VEGAN.” It can be as simple as holding up a hand lettered sign in front of you and taking a quick photo.

But if you want to get creative, go ahead! Have fun with it! Do you live near a beach? Write I AM VEGAN in the sand. Make the words I AM VEGAN out of fruits and veggies, or rocks … or socks, or on a box. Take your photo with a dog, on a log … in the fog. Write it on your forehead, or in flowers. Make it fun. Or be serious. Whatever you like and whatever represents you best as a vegan.

The requirements are that the photo or video show your face and the words I AM VEGAN. Groups, of course, can say WE ARE VEGAN.

Video can include audio that says “I AM VEGAN” or “WE ARE VEGAN” but must also include it in written words in some way.

Please keep any video short and realize it will be edited for time and content.

A few more (important) things …

Please label your image file with your first and last name.

Photos and video must be clear and well-lit.

Photos and video must be unretouched, including no resizing and no text added. Send the image or video file just as it came out of your camera.

Photo and video files must be no larger than 8MB.

SEND your photo or video submission to: lisaviger@yahoo.com

There will (likely) be an alphabetical list of the participants at the end of the video, so please include a message about your name as you would like it to appear there.

The small print …

By submitting a photo or video, you:

grant Lisa Viger the right to print, publish, broadcast the photo or video, and use in any manner deemed appropriate, in any media for public information without consideration or compensation.

further release Lisa Viger from any and all liability, claims, or damages arising out of or relating to the photo or video submission.

DEADLINE for SUBMISSIONS is

November 1, 2011

Video will be online and ready for viewing at 12:01 am EST November 24, 2011